United loanee’s dream could come crashing down as CL giants identify cheaper alternative – report

Marcus Rashford’s situation at Manchester United has changed drastically over the past two years. The Englishman enjoyed the best form of his career under former manager Erik ten Hag in the 2022/23 campaign.

Rashford registered 30 goals and 12 assists from 56 games across competitions, helping the Red Devils win the EFL Cup. He was meant to be the face of Ten Hag’s project at the Theatre of Dreams, and was rewarded with a lucrative new contract in the summer of 2023.

However, the 27-year-old failed to hold on to his high standards, finishing the following season with just eight goals and six assists from 43 games in all competitions. Things went from bad to worse last campaign following the arrival of Ruben Amorim in November last year.

Rashford fell out with the Portuguese head coach and was shipped off to Aston Villa in January on a temporary deal. The Englishman moved to Barcelona this summer on a season-long loan and has been outstanding so far.

Regaining his form at Camp Nou

Rashford has scored three goals and set up five more from 10 games in all competitions for the Catalans so far. Recent reports suggest that the La Liga champions are pleased with the Englishman’s performances and are ready to sign him permanently at the end of the campaign.

United have reportedly inserted a £30m purchase option in the deal, which Barcelona are likely to exercise in 2026. The clause includes a £25m upfront fee, and a further £5m in add-ons, which will help the Red Devils secure a decent fee for a player no longer in their plans.

However, it is now believed that Rashford’s permanent move to Camp Nou is not yet set in stone.

Barcelona want Cardoso Varela

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have identified Dinamo Zagreb starlet Cardoso Varela as a potential alternative to Rashford. The Catalans would like to activate the purchase option in the Englishman’s loan deal if he manages to hold on to his impressive start.

However, should Rashford lose his golden touch, the LaLiga giants will consider a move for Varela instead. The 16-year-old left winger has already attracted the attention of several clubs across the continent, with Chelsea also hot on his heels.

The left-footed speedster has a playing style similar to Rashford. His ability to torment defenders has also drawn comparisons to a young Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona have been tracking him for months. Varela and his agent, Andy Bara, recently met the Catalans’ sporting director, Deco, adding fuel to the speculation.

The Portuguese youngster is under contract with the Croatian club until 2028, but the Spanish champions are confident of securing his signature for £5m. Barcelona plan to make a decision on Rashford’s future by the end of the season, and if he fails to maintain his standards, Varela could emerge as an alternative.

United may not be too pleased with the developments, as Amorim is unlikely to reintegrate Rashford into the first team. A potential return, as such, would only complicate an already long-drawn saga.

Feature image Alex Caparros via Getty Images

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